Topped with fresh warm Apple-Apricot Compote, latkes become the centerpiece of a comforting and casual autumn meal. To ensure the crispiest of latkes, be sure to thoroughly wring as much moisture as you possibly can from the grated potatoes.

Difficulty:
Moderate

Yield:
Twelve 3-inch pancakes

Serves:
6

Ingredients

3 firm, sweet apples (such as Gala or Fuji)

.25 c. light brown sugar

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. grated, fresh ginger

.25 tsp. dried mustard

.333 c. dried apricots

.25 c. golden raisins

3 Yukon Gold potatoes

1 medium onion

1 large egg

3 tbsp. matzo meal

1 tsp. salt

.5 tsp. fresh-ground pepper

Directions

Make the Apple-Apricot Compote: Combine the apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, ginger, and mustard in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Add the apricots, raisins, and 1/4 cup water, cover, and cook for 10 more minutes. Lightly mash the compote with the back of a wooden spoon, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Make the Latkes: Place small batches of grated potatoes in the center of a dish towel, gather up the sides of the towel, and wring excess liquid from the potatoes. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and repeat with the remaining potatoes. Add the remaining ingredients to the potatoes, mix well, and set aside. Heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the potato mixture by the 1/4 cupful to the hot oil, lightly flatten pancakes with a spatula, and cook latkes until golden -- about 5 minutes. Turn over and cook until heated through and golden brown -- about 5 more minutes. Serve warm.

To ensure the crispiest of latkes, be sure to thoroughly wring as much moisture as you possibly can from the grated potatoes.

Egg is added to latke batter to help the pancakes hold their shape. If increasing or decreasing the recipe portion, be careful to maintain the correct proportion of egg to potato.

Flavor plain sour cream with fresh herbs, such as chives or thyme, or stir in dried spices like crushed red pepper or cinnamon.